Aviation changes
the lives of youth WITH A DIFFERENT
POINT OF VIEW
By Ali Cortes Aviation is a world that is larger than life, and A Different Point Of View, a nonprofit leadership development organization serving youth, ages 14-19 throughout Santa Barbara County, is determined to show youth their potential using aviation and mentoring as a launching pad. “We show them how to become captains of their own ship and that their decisions are important for their future.” Inspired by the impact aviation has and opportunities available to flourish in a setting that provides leadership development, Lynn Houston (founder) visualized a program that improved the chances of at risk youth successfully transitioning into adulthood. In 2012 she took the leap of faith and launched A Different Point OF View. The mission is to engage, inspire and transform youth using flight lessons as a launching pad. Through their programs: Aviation Career Program, Aviation Exploration Day, and Discovery Days the students engage back to academic success, responsible independence, job readiness, and overall motivation to participate in positive lifestyles. Since 2012, ADPOV has served over 500 youth, many of whom have remained a part of the organization, graduated high school, gone onto college and stepped into leadership roles in their community. Take the word of Soraya, a student who participated in ADPOV: “My name is Soraya. There was a time in my life I struggled believing in myself. At 13 I was already incarcerated for some serious charges. One day my probation officer brought me and four other girls to ADPOV’s Aviation Career Program in 2012. They taught me a different side of the world I didn’t know about. That world was a better life with hope and joy. They taught me that I could have a life that was good. Before that time I didn’t believe in myself because everyone would tell me I wouldn’t amount to anything. The program taught me skills, careers, and many other things. I was the first person in my family to graduate high school and when I did they came to the
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